NewKerala.com

Key Points

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has made a remarkable comeback to the England national team after a six-year absence. His relationship with former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel played a significant role in his recall to the squad. Loftus-Cheek, now 29, last played for England in 2018 and has accumulated 10 caps during his international career. The midfielder's journey back to the national team represents a testament to his resilience and continued development as a footballer.

Key Points: Loftus-Cheek Rejoins England Squad After Tuchel Connection

  • Loftus-Cheek returns to England squad after six-year international break
  • Thomas Tuchel's influence crucial in midfielder's call-up
  • Player last appeared for Three Lions in November 2018
  • Earned 10 caps during previous international career
2 min read

Thomas Tuchel 'knows me as a player': Loftus-Cheek on returning to England squad after 6 years

Ruben Loftus-Cheek returns to England national team after six-year absence, with Thomas Tuchel playing a crucial role in his comeback

"After working with him, I know that he knows me as a player - Ruben Loftus-Cheek"

London, Sep 3 (IANs) England midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek was called up to the England squad for the first time in six years, after having last played for the Three Lions in 2018, after Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton suffered an injury.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel, who worked with the midfielder during his time at Chelsea, was key to Loftus-Cheek's call up and the 29-year-old believes the German knows him as a player.

"When Tuchel came to Chelsea, I was still on my loan at Fulham and this was the year after my injury. I had a year to feel myself again. I didn't know too much about him (Tuchel) as a manager when I came back. I did pre-season with Chelsea and that's when we spoke about playing wing-back. I also played centre-back for one game and right-wing back so a number of positions for him.

"After working with him, I know that he knows me as a player so I thought that if I was doing well, I would have a chance. I knew the manager would be keeping tabs on the players playing abroad so I thought I might get a shout. I was notified before the weekend to just be ready, but I wasn't in the first squad," he said.

Midfielder Loftus-Cheek last appeared for the Three Lions in November 2018 and has 10 caps to his name.

England continue their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with the visit of Andorra to Villa Park on Saturday, September 6 and a trip to face Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday, September 9.

When asked where he was when he got the call up, Ruben replied, "It was a text first (from Ruth, not Thomas Tuchel) saying 'where are you?' I said I was in England and she said perfect. I was actually at my mum's house, so it was a good feeling."

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Six years is a long time to wait for national team call-up! Shows his perseverance. Hope he gets some playing time against Andorra 🤞
M
Michael C
Interesting that Tuchel played him at wing-back and even center-back! Shows his versatility. Maybe that's what England needs - players who can adapt to different roles.
A
Anjali F
At 29, this might be his last chance to make an impact for England. Hope he makes the most of it! The World Cup qualifiers are perfect opportunity to prove himself.
S
Sarah B
While I'm happy for him, I wonder if this is just a temporary solution because of injuries. England should be building for the future with younger players rather than recalling 29-year-olds after 6 years.
V
Vikram M
Love that he was at his mum's house when he got the call! Such a humble moment. Family support means everything in sports ❤️

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50